Why would anyone believe in God?
Author(s)
Bibliographic Information
Why would anyone believe in God?
（Cognitive science of religion series）
AltaMira Press, 2004
- : pbk
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Note
Includes bibliographical references (p. 129-135) and index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
Because of the design of our minds. That is Justin Barrett's simple answer to the question of his title. With rich evidence from cognitive science but without technical language, psychologist Barrett shows that belief in God is an almost inevitable consequence of the kind of minds we have. Most of what we believe comes from mental tools working below our conscious awareness. And what we believe consciously is in large part driven by these unconscious beliefs. Barrett demonstrates that beliefs in gods match up well with these automatic assumptions; beliefs in an all-knowing, all-powerful God match up even better. Barrett goes on to explain why beliefs like religious beliefs are so widespread and why it is very difficult for our minds to think without them. Anyone who wants a concise, clear, and scientific explanation of why anyone would believe in God should pick up Barrett's book.
Table of Contents
1 Preface 2 What does it mean to "believe"? 3 Where Do Beliefs in Gods Come From? Religious Concepts as Minimally Counterintuitive 4 Where Do Beliefs in Gods Come From? Finding Agents Everywhere 5 Where Do Gods Come From? Additional Factors that Contribute to Gods' Credibility 6 How Religious Actions Enhance Belief in Gods 7 The Naturalness of Belief in God 8 The Naturalness of Believing in Minds: An Analog for Understanding Belief in God 9 Why Would Anyone NOT Believe in God? 10 In Conclusion
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